Tag: FCC
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SpaceX wins FCC license for up to a million Starlink satellite broadband data terminals
An artist’s conception shows the deployment of SpaceX’s Starlink satellites. (SpaceX Illustration) After months of consideration, the Federal Communications Commission has granted SpaceX a license for up to a million terminals that would work on the ground with the company’s Starlink satellite constellation to deliver global broadband internet service. Word of the 15-year license’s approval…
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Amazon asks FCC to give swift approval to Project Kuiper satellite network despite SpaceX opposition
Multiple mega-constellations of satellites could take root in low Earth orbit over the next few years. (European Space Agency Illustration) Amazon fired its latest volley today in a back-and-forth debate over whether the company can proceed in an expedited fashion with its 3,236-satellite Project Kuiper mega-constellation for broadband internet access. Today’s 24-page letter to the…
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Amazon’s Project Kuiper and OneWeb raise the curtain higher on their satellite plans
An artist’s conception shows a OneWeb satellite in space. (OneWeb Satellites Illustration) Filings with the Federal Communications Commission are providing fresh details about the plans being laid by Amazon and OneWeb to set up networks of satellites for global broadband internet access. OneWeb, for example, is seeking FCC approval for up to 1.5 million ground…
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SpaceX wants to rearrange its Starlink satellites for faster broadband ramp-up
An artist’s conception shows the deployment of SpaceX’s Starlink satellites. (SpaceX Illustration) SpaceX is seeking approval from the Federal Communications Commission for changes in the spacing of its Starlink broadband satellites, in order to extend internet services to a wider swath of the United States on a faster timetable. “This adjustment will accelerate coverage to…
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FCC approves SpaceX’s revised Starlink satellite plan; first wave gets set for liftoff
A simulation shows how a 4,425-satellite constellation could be deployed for SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service. (Mark Handley / University College London) The Federal Communications Commission today approved SpaceX’s proposed revisions in its plan to put thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit to provide global broadband connectivity, clearing the way to start launching satellites…
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SpaceX seeks FCC approval for up to 1M Starlink satellite earth stations
A simulation shows how a 4,425-satellite constellation could be deployed for SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service. (Mark Handley / University College London) SpaceX has opened a new window into its ambitious plans for a global satellite broadband data network, thanks to an earth-station license application filed with the Federal Communications Commission. The application, filed on behalf of…
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FCC levies $900,000 fine against Swarm Technologies for unlawful satellite launch
As initially designed, Swarm Technologies’ controversial SpaceBEE satellites were each roughly the size of a sandwich. (Swarm Technologies Illustration via FCC) The Federal Communications Commission says Swarm Technologies must pay a $900,000 fine and be subject to increased scrutiny for having a tiny set of satellites launched without authorization. The penalties were laid out in…
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FCC OKs SpaceX’s plan for 7,500 satellites in very low Earth orbit (and its rivals’ plans)
An artist’s conception shows a constellation of satellites in orbit. (OneWeb Illustration) The Federal Communications Commission today gave the go-ahead for SpaceX to operate a constellation of more than 7,500 broadband access satellites in very low Earth orbit — and also gave the go-ahead for other satellite constellations chasing similar markets. SpaceX’s plan to put 7,518…
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SpaceX sets its sights on a lower orbit for Starlink broadband network’s first satellites
SpaceX’s satellite plan suggests that Starlink spacecraft would be placed in two different sets of orbits, with an intial wave of satellites at an altitude of 550 kilometers. (PatentYogi via YouTube) SpaceX wants to lower the bar for its first batch of Starlink broadband satellites, with the aim of beginning deployment by the end of…
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How a snafu over swarming satellites led Spaceflight to sharpen its launch policy
India’s PSLV-C40 rocket stands on its launch pad in advance of January’s liftoff. (ISRO Photo) When India’s PSLV rocket launched a host of satellites into orbit in January, one big piece was missing: the Federal Communications Commission’s authorization for Swarm Technologies’ super-miniaturized satellites. The FCC had nixed Swarm’s application on the grounds that the wallet-sized…